parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish

also : the leaves

Examples of parsley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Blanch the parsley and the green parts of the green onions, reserving the white parts for later, in the boiling water for just a few seconds, or until bright green. —Jonathan Miles, Field & Stream, 23 May 2024

There was something special about watching Odette pick parsley leaves for the tabbouleh, with the Mediterranean shimmering in the background. —Edy Massih, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2024

Toss them in a mixture of mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, basil, parsley, and oregano. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 15 May 2024

Chervil is a leafy green herb that resembles young parsley and frilly cilantro. —Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persely, from Old English petersilie, from Vulgar Latin *petrosilium, alteration of Latin petroselinum, from Greek petroselinon, from petros stone + selinon celery

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parsley

• Chinese parsley
• fool's parsley
• giant cow parsley
• Italian parsley

Kids Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

plural parsleys

: a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for its finely divided leaves which are used to season or decorate foods

also : the leaves

Medical Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a southern European annual or biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family having leaves which are used as a culinary herb or garnish and a root and seeds which have been used medicinally